Pine Bush Quarterly

Erwin Benzee Benz // Willy Wonka // Section 9 Boy's Basketball Champions // Mary Poppins // Tractor Parade

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What’s Inside…

22

Pine Bush Varsity Basketball

54

4 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

10 32 44
16 42 52

THIS ISSUE: QUARTERLY
10 Pine Bush Golden Alumni
12 Erwin Benzee Benze IN EVERY ISSUE:
22 Fishing Derby 6 Letter from the Editor
26 Harvest Festival 7 Publisher’s Note
32 Homecoming Football 24 Orange-Ulster BOCES
34 Grown Here 56 Around Town
36 Veterans Day 61 Upcoming Events
42 Willy Wonka 62 Legacy
44 Tractor Parade
50 Student Athlete Signing 5www.JohnKiddPromotions.com
52 Mary Poppins
54 PB Boys Basketball Section 9 Champions

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

NOT JUST CHECKING THE BOXES
A bazillion years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the flat earth and I was in a high school class of some
sort which I vaguely remember included a segment around resume writing. I was instructed to list
“Extracurricular Activities” or “Special Interests.” I barely knew this meant all of the things I was
involved with which had nothing to do with regular classes or employment. The exercise was not
designed to make us see the holes in our lives but rather the goal was to find ways to tie your outside
interests to aspects of the working world and these would help support your ability to perhaps lead,
organize, think creatively, problem solve, and other desirable workplace characteristics. For me, it
was just as much of a challenge as compiling relevant work experience and I remember thinking,
“Well, I really could be doing more,” while other students were able to share their long list of outside accomplishments
which may have comprised of church activities, civic clubs or volunteering and Scouting.
I’m fairly certain the majority of us gave one second of thought to purposefully filling the “Extracurricular Activities”
portion and as students are motivated to work for the best grade they can achieve, it was not about personal fulfillment
for some of us. We checked the boxes.
However, for Erwin “Benzee” Benz, I think the combination of each aspect of his life simply adds up to Community
Service (yes, with capital letters) and the sections of a resume could blend together rather than be distinctly separated
with headings. When your professional life’s work code is to “protect and serve” the people, then you volunteer to lead
Boy Scouts and coach youth community sports, it appears all the boxes are checked to indicate outstanding Commu-
nity Service. However, Benz is simply about having, and helping other have, a full and fulfilling life. Sincere. Active.
Part of sharing the stories of the folks in our community is to help others see the opportunities available they may have
to contribute to the lives of our friends and neighbors. Perhaps your work life experiences could be shared to enrich
the futures of our children and neighbors. Maybe your Extracurricular Activities would spark the interest in someone
else and start another person on a similar journey. Looking forward to hearing your story, but more importantly, seeing
you out there in our community.
Have a fabulous season,

Making It Happen

Michael Bloom hails from the Dionysios Anagnostou is Tom Bushey has more than 30 Melissa Harjes is a freelance pho-
Catskills where he resides with his classically trained chef from the years experience telling stories tographer focusing mostly
partner Kristin and their two dogs Culinary Institute of America. As through photographs. He took
a child he spent his summers in a photography course taught by on lifestyle and wedding photog-
Chussie and Maggie. He is an Greece with his siblings and grand- Anthony Frandino in his senior raphy. She is self-taught with a
award winning photographer and mother, from whom he learned year at Monroe-Woodbury High degree in fine arts. While she isn’t
photojournalist. He has shot for some of his favorite recipes. He School. He was first published in photographing small children
NBC Universo, Rolling Stone, Far- currently works for the Bonura the Photo News where he later and families, she is working as a
macy Beauty, DETAILS Magazine, Hospitality Group as the Sous Chef worked before spending the rest server at Blu Pointe in Newburgh,
at the West Hills Country Club in of his newspaper career at the
The NY Times, NY Daily News, Times Herald-Record. Tom is now NewYork for the Bonura
La-Z-Boy, American Express Black Middletown, NewYork. a freelance photographer based Hospitality Group.
Ink and Ferrari, Hudson Whiskey
in Middletown.
as well as Orange and
Ulster magazines.

6 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

PUBLISHER’S NOTE QUARTERLY

I was raised to be pretty independent. I’m the type of person to Owner/Publisher:
just grab the bull by the horns. I grew up believing, “If you want John E Kidd
something done right, you have to do it yourself.” I can definitely Editor:
see the areas in my life where I was successful in taking risks and
being brave. I can see where I used my motivation to get things Sharon MacGregor
done instead of waiting for others to do it. I can see how I was Director of Photography:
able to accomplish a lot of great things. Although, this method
Michael Bloom
worked for a while, I’ve finally come to a point in my life where I Layout &
simply just can’t do it all.
I run into people everyday who ask me, “How’s the family? How’s work?” I usually respond Graphic Design:
by saying, “Busy!” They then inform me, “Well, busy is good!” Ha! Let me be the first one Erni Hewett
to tell you, busy is not always good. As Pastor Adrian Rogers said, “If Satan can’t make you Advertising:
bad, he’ll make you busy.” John E Kidd
With a big family and a heavy workload, my pride and belief has always told me I can do it
all by myself, but in reality, that is anything but true. In fact, the more things I try to get done Like us on Facebook!
by myself “the right way,” the more and more difficult things become. I begin excusing the www.Facebook.com/
diminishing quality of my performance as growing pains; however, it has come to a point PineBushQuarterly
where there is no more growth and only pain. I try to push through, but in doing so, the
quality of what I am trying to accomplish only continues to decline. My busyness and over Subscribe for only $30.00 per year.
commitment may look like success to the world, but it has lead to some dire consequences in
my personal life. Trying to do everything by myself causes me to be irritable and inefficient We’d love to hear from you! If you
not only in my job, but it is starting to endanger my marriage, my role as a father, my health, want to advertise in a future issue, or
and my friendships. That motto I have lived much of my life by is nothing but a big fat lie. if you have comments or questions,
Things became difficult because I wasn’t being realistic about my situation. I wasn’t effec-
tively prioritizing my to-do list. The reason I wasn’t able to do these things was because they you can reach us at:
involved change. Of course, people had suggested solutions, but unsolicited advice is hard to P.O. Box 963
listen to. John Maxwell said, “People change only when they hurt enough they have to. They
learn enough they want to. They receive enough they are able to.” I have to agree. Pine Bush, NY 12566
It’s not always fun, but God uses difficult situations in our lives as opportunities for us to or email:
grow and change because He has a purpose for our lives. Many times, the Bible has an ex-
ample of someone who went through something similar. In my situation, the man’s name [email protected]
was Moses. (845) 551-1801
God asked Moses to rescue the Israelites enslaved in Egypt and lead them into the Promised
Land. After helping free his people, disagreements began to arise among the Israelites about Advertising and Content is subject to
the instructions and will of God. Moses soon spent his entire days surrounded by thousands approval of the editor.
of people who wanted him to resolve their disputes, care for their needs, and to solve their
issues. He was overwhelmed, burnt out, and most likely frustrated because he was judging All contents © 2018. All rights
every dispute in the entire nation of Israel by himself. When Moses’ father-in-law, Jethro, reserved. No portion of this
witnessed what was happening, he had to speak up. magazine may be reproduced
Exodus 18: 17-23 (The Message Version), “Moses’ father-in-law said, “This is no way to go
about it. You’ll burn out, and the people right along with you. This is way too much for without written consent of the
you—you can’t do this alone. Now listen to me. Let me tell you how to do this so that God publisher.
will be in this with you. Be there for the people before God, but let the matters of concern be
presented to God. Your job is to teach them the rules and instructions, to show them how to Printed in the U.S.A.
live, what to do. And then you need to keep a sharp eye out for competent men—men who
fear God, men of integrity, men who are incorruptible—and appoint them as leaders over ON THE COVER:
groups organized by the thousand, by the hundred, by fifty, and by ten. They’ll be responsi- Erwin Benzee Benz-
ble for the everyday work of judging among the people. They’ll bring the hard cases to you, Cub Scout - NYPD - CubMaster
but in the routine cases they’ll be the judges. They will share your load, and that will make it
easier for you. If you handle the work this way, you’ll have the strength to carry out whatever Photo by John Kidd
God commands you, and the people in their settings will flourish also.”
Moses’ primary calling was not to counsel, but to get his people to the Promised Land. For 7www.JohnKiddPromotions.com
me, the lesson to be learned here is to delegate. I can’t be an effective leader if I insist on
doing everything myself.
How about you? Is there a difficult area in your life that God might be offering as an oppor-
tunity for you to grow?
I hope you enjoy reading,

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PRE K - 12TH GRADE

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Chapel Field is an inter-denominational Christian school
committed to training our students in wisdom and virtue
through a Christ centered curriculum.  

Chapel Field offers a rigorous academic program in a
close family-like setting allowing us to know our
students and to serve their particular educational needs.

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chapelfield.org - (845) 778-1881

8 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

A Celebration of Culture and Dreams

PINE BUSH’S ENL PROGRAM HOSTS ANNUAL POTLUCK DINNER

The atmosphere at Pine Bush High School cafeteria was
festive as upwards of 150 students and family members in
the English as a New Language (ENL) program gathered
for the annual potluck dinner.

Each family contributed a favorite homemade dish or
dessert native to their country of origin. Those countries
included China, Haiti, Mexico, the Dominican Republic,
Jamaica and many more.

The food, conversation and smiles were plentiful as
Cathy Aller, ENL leader for the district, welcomed every-
one to the gathering.

“We are fortunate and glad to come together tonight, a
show of strength in our program,” said Aller about the
program that services students who are learning to
become proficient in English.

Behind her were resource tables for the adults, providing Pakanasink students Shaddai Salas-Castillo, Alex Xin and Valerie Xin had some fun
information on free English classes, affordable health care during the evening by coloring.
and technology resources children can use at home.

Parent information packets, provided by the state
Office of Bilingual Education, were also available.

Younger kids had fun having their faces painted and
photos taken.

In addition to the food and camaraderie, the highlight
of the evening was a special video shown to the group. It
contained conversations between current ENL students
and former ones who have graduated and are now either
in college or working.

“We are hoping that the graduates will encourage and
inspire our ENL students and their parents,” said Aller,
noting that when these graduates first entered elementary
school in Pine Bush they could not speak English. “Now
they are all pursuing higher education or careers.”

In the video, some of the children asked the graduates Pine Bush High School student Yuliana Parra paints the face of Pakanasink fifth grader
what advice they would give to the new current ENL Luis Alcantara at the pot luck.
students.

“Never give up!” answered one young woman.

“This is a time of laughter and conversations but
mostly it is a time to celebrate,” said Aller of the
evening. “We celebrate our students’ cultures and
their academic successes. We believe in their dreams
too. Together we can make it happen.”

Crystal Zhong enjoyed her cake. The selection of food was tremendous, with dishes from more than a dozen countries.

9www.JohnKiddPromotions.com

By JOHN KIDD
This past fall, the Class of 1967 was officially
welcomed into the Pine Bush High School
Golden Alumni at the club’s annual dinner at the
Eagles Nest in Bloomingburg. Del Roberson
and Maddy Canosa chair the event for this
great group of old trouble makers. Throughout
the afternoon, guests danced to 50’s, 60’s, and
70’s music played by The Mustangs ’65. Old
yearbooks and other Pine Bush High School
memorabilia were on display for guests to enjoy.
Small door prizes and other items were raffled
off and given to guests. Hailing from the class of
1942, Rhoda Murphy was the oldest Pine Bush
graduate in attendance. This year, the class of
1968 will be inducted to the Golden Alumni
Club on September 22 at the Eagles Nest.

10 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

11www.JohnKiddPromotions.com

Story By SHARON MACGREGOR // Page 13 Photos By JOHN KIDD // Studio Photos by MIKE BLOOM

It is not uncommon for people to include outside interests and I chose sports.” Benz continued, “I always wanted to help people.
accomplishments on their professional resumes when looking for My father was FDNY (Fire Department of New York) for 31 years
employment. These activities can often indicate the ability to lead, and I watched him go out of his way to help friends, neighbors
organize, or show the level of passion an individual may have for and even save a few lives while working. Those memories stayed
a particular interest which can of course put them at the front of with me as I grew up, as well as having a positive work ethic and
the pack when being considered for a job. For Erwin “Benzee” the desire to serve others. In high school, I remember watching
Benz, the professional and civic road has been nearly circular, quite “Hill Street Blues,” and it was both my favorite show and a fairly
unique, as well as seemingly centered around community service. accurate portrayal of police work at that time.”

Asked about his childhood experiences with Scouting, Benz said, When choosing his own career path, Benz took both the NYPD
“I was a Cub Scout in Pack #240 in Monroe back in the 1970’s. I and FDNY exams and the police department called first. Benz
remember having fun and learning about Scouting for the years I became a member of the New York Police Department from July 5,
was involved. Many find it shocking I did not continue into Boy 1989 until he retired on July 21, 2009 and over the span of 20 years
Scouts, especially since for the last five years I am quite involved as did certainly experience or witness a wide range of events with the
Cubmaster for Pack #41. Growing up I was very involved in sports most universally well-known being 9/11.
and in my middle class family, you could do one or the other, and

12 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

Benzee and Cubscout Pack #41 helping serve at the community Thanksgiving Dinner Benzee and his three wheel Interceptor Scooter on his last day before

at the United Methodist Church in Pine Bush. retirement July 2009.

Benzee’s late father, FDNY Firefighter Chiefs Aide and Chauffeur- Erwin and Sandy on his NYPD Police Academy Graduation Day December of 1989.
Erwin J Benz circa late1980’s.
13www.JohnKiddPromotions.com

He recalled, “If you were a police officer or on my local radio show on WTBQ, “Into deescalating situations. On the job when
first responder in New York on September The Weekend” (aired from 2006 – 2011) a you responded to a call you had to figure
11, 2001, you were impacted,” and few times and he was looking for a co-host. out almost immediately what was going on,
continued, “It was the Democratic primary We just clicked and I have been doing the who the bad guy was and more. While it
in NYC and I was assigned to a polling weekly program for six years although I is very difficult to do, it is one skill I have
location in the Washington Heights section am currently taking a hiatus because of my used the last few years in scouting, coaching
of Upper Manhattan in my command, the busy schedule.” sports and my local public access TV show.
34th Precinct. It was a clear and sunny
Tuesday morning when the world changed. Or, he may look familiar because of the For example, the first meeting for a new
I spent days and months assigned to the various road-trips he plans via Benzee cub scout den, or little league team involves
perimeter of Ground Zero. For a few years Promotions including casino trips and reading the parents to see who will step
I have been on Nexium for heartburn and other fairly local points of interest. For up to help and who wants to sit on the
GERD, no doubt from the effects of 9/11. more information and to check out the sidelines. I don’t find it difficult to read
Many others I worked with are gone or 2018 schedule trips, please visit Benzee them, but when talking to other Scout
more seriously ill. I cherish every day I am Trips and Promotions on Facebook. Leaders and sports team coaches, this may
here. Always remember ... never forget.” be the most difficult part of it all.”
Take all of these aspects of personal and
Maybe Benz looks familiar to you and professional life, toss them all together, and Adding a bit more background about what
you are not sure why. It could be related the end result is a father, husband and local led to becoming a Cubmaster, Benzee
to his local public access television show, Cubmaster. shared, “I was the Assistant Den Leader
“Keeping Country Strong,” co-hosted of my older son Joey’s den for two years.
with Carl Richards. “I started co-hosting How do some of the skills acquired through The previous Cubmaster Matt had been at
the award winning public access channel police work come in handy today? the position for seven years and his younger
#23 program, “Keeping Country Strong,” son was aging up to Boy Scouts. There were
back in 2011. The program consists of “One of the skills I use pretty much every certainly more qualified leaders to become
interviewing musicians and interesting day in life and also used on the NYPD Cubmaster but they either did not have the
community members. The host, country for twenty years are my people skills. I time to commit or didn’t want the position
musician Carl Richards, had been a guest have a keen knack for reading people and for whatever reason. I leaned on these

14 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

experienced leaders the first two years and
delegated as much as possible. Every Pack
needs a “front man,” someone who likes
public speaking and standing in front of a
crowd to lead a Pack meeting. I love it and
my experience hosting radio and TV shows
helped as well.

The challenging parts of being a Cubmaster
is getting parents or guardians to volunteer.
We have a great group of Den Leaders and
a few dedicated Pack Committee members
but it can be difficult sometimes to get all
the families involved, not unlike any other
organization.

The satisfying part is watching a Den of
Kindergarteners advance through the years
to 5th grade and earn their Arrow of Light
Award as they cross over into Boy Scouts.
My older son has remained friends with
all of his Scout buddies after leaving Cub
Scouts and I suspect they will remain
friends through high school.”

Benz summed up a bit of personal details
and said, “I’m married to my darling
wife, Sandra for 22 years and we have
two wonderful boys; Joey who is 12 and
Nicholas age eight. We moved to Bullville
from Highland Mills in 2010 after I retired
from the NYPD. My wife’s entire family
is from Pine Bush and we loved the area
and schools to raise our boys. This is a great
family oriented community and we are so
happy to have made the move. My entire
family, including my Mom, two sisters and
their families are still living in Monroe
where I grew up, so both families are no
further than a half hour away.”

We never know exactly what the next
chapter of our life may hold, but it is
satisfying to think we may be preparing for
it with the experiences we have right now.
Like Benz, you may bring skills from one
aspect of your life into another to add a
deeper richness, understanding or sense of
fulfillment.

If interested in more information
regarding scouting or Benzee’s trips and
promotions, please contact him at either by
voice or text at (845) 234-5323 or email

[email protected].

15www.JohnKiddPromotions.com

16 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

Pine Bush High School With a goal to promote wellness, unity, and diversity, the Pine
Presents Wellness Day Bush High School held its annual Wellness Day program for
ninth graders November 17th. With over 26 presenters made
up of students, faculty, and community/business groups, the
ninth graders were able to select from a variety of workshops
such as anti bullying, African drumming, Spartan training,
Caribbean culture, healthy eating, karate, dance, painting, and
even meeting a Holocaust survivor just to name a few.

Instead of a normal schedule, the Wellness Day was a great ini-
tiative to get kids moving and thinking about all areas of good
health and wellness. There were quite a few opportunities for
students to have some take backs not only to motivate them in
leading productive and happy lives, but for them to see things
from a different perspective. The variety of topics and work-
shops that were available for the students opened the door for
some great discussions and fun new ways to interact.

17www.JohnKiddPromotions.com

Pictured in the back row, from left, are Circleville firefighters
Jared Colon, Chris Oliver, James Shannon, Mike Beaver and
Jim Sullivan. Front row are the poster contest winners
from Pakanasink.

Every Second Counts - Circleville Firefighters Talk
Fire Safety with Pakanasink Students

“WHAT DO YOU DO IF YOUR HOUSE IS ON FIRE?”

It’s a scary thought, especially for kids. But that was the question posed to “Lots of little kids get terrified,” said Jim Sullivan, one of the volunteer
Pakanasink students last week when members of the Circleville Fire firefighters. “Don’t be afraid. They’re there to help.”
Department visited their school.
Some important information Sullivan shared with the children is if they
Firefighters took the opportunity to talk to third, fourth and fifth graders are in a closed bedroom and there is smoke seeping in, feel the doorknob.
about fire safety and what they should do if they find themselves in a house If it is hot, there is fire outside of the door and they should not open it.
fire. They stressed the importance of having a meeting place outside of the Instead, roll towels or other materials at the base of the door and get out
house should something happen. And, of course, to call 911 once they are another way.
outside.
The firefighters also demonstrated a thermal imaging camera that helps
Here are the firefighters’ tips: them find people through even the darkest smoke.

• Get out – never go back inside Two ways out:
• Stay low and go – if there is smoke, crawl on the floor below it
• Sleep with your bedroom door closed – this can help keep a The school’s annual poster contest had the theme “Every second counts,
fire that’s somewhere else in the house out of your room
• Never hide – if you are on an upper floor and can’t get out, plan two ways out.” It’s not an art contest – although the artwork was
stay close to a window. That’s where the firefighters will be
coming in creative. Each student had to show two ways out of their home or apart-
• Always have two ways out
• Make sure there are smoke detectors throughout the house ment should there be a fire. There were prizes awarded to the top three in

Firefighters donned their full gear so the students could see what they will each grade.
look like should they ever encounter them in an emergency. The look can
be scary and so can the sound of the breathing apparatus. The firefighters The winners: Fourth grade
assured the children they are there to help.
Third grade First place – Sheenorah Jean
18 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY Second place - Kaitlyn Banks
First place – Julia Bradley Third place – Nessa Wendell
Second place – Nyla Swiney

Third place – Malaika Khan Fifth grade

First place – Amy Ortiz

Second place – Alex Kadanthod

Third place – Daniel Aguilar

No Place for Hate

Leading by example. That’s what comes to Lauren
Nemeth’s mind as she watched her fourth grade students
at Edward J. Russell Elementary School sign the
No Place For Hate pledge.

“It’s important that teachers are the first to sign,
to lead by example,” said Nemeth after signing her
own name first on the pledge.

She was followed by each member of her class,
meticulously writing or printing his or her own name
to the poster with the No Place For Hate promise.
The students had already taken the pledge earlier in the
morning as Stephanie Tompkins, a fifth grader, had the
honor of reading the pledge to all students over the
intercom system.
“I promise to do my best to treat everyone fairly.
I promise to do my best to be kind to everyone –
even if they are not like me.
If I see someone being hurt or bullied, I will tell a teacher.
Everyone should be able to feel safe and happy in school.
I want my school to be NO PLACE FOR HATE.”
This was the culmination of a week filled with activities, all
geared toward building community, friendship and trust in
the No Place For Hate kick-off campaign.
Each school held its own activities for the week.
No Place For Hate is a district-wide initiative in partner-
ship with the Anti-Defamation League (ADL). All seven
Pine Bush school are registered as “No Place For Hate”
schools and participate in activities, assemblies and work-
shops throughout the year, all in an effort to help children
be caring, understanding and upstanding citizens.

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Serving Lunch & Dinner

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135 ward st. (route 17k)
montgomery, ny 12549

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20 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

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By JOHN KIDD
The Shawangunk Ridge Longbeards chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation
(NWTF) held its annual JAKES event on Sunday September 24, 2017 at the Wallkill
Rod and Gun Club Fishing Pond, in Wallkill. JAKES, which stands for Juniors Acquiring
Knowledge, Ethics and Sportsmanship, is the youth organization of the NWTF.
Children who attended the free event, many of whom are JAKES members, enjoyed a day
of fishing and fun. Although the pond was freshly stocked with trout, one boy happened to
reel in what could be a record painted turtle. The young participants also took part in air gun
target shooting. This was made possible from the N.Y.S. Chapter’s new JAKES Take Aim
Trailer. The trailer is equipped with an inflatable range and an assortment of air rifles. The
range was a big hit with the kids, as they were going around showing everyone their targets.
The event also included a live wild animal display and other sportsman exhibits.
The Longbeards provided hot dogs, chips and drinks for the youths. Volunteers from the
Longbeards and the Wallkill Rod & Gun
Club were on hand to assist the young an-
glers. Fishing poles were made available from
the New York State Department of Environ-
mental Conservation, (D.E.C.)

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Learning the Skills for Real Life

The Life Skills Class at Crispell Middle School enjoyed field trips to Walmart in
Napanoch and to the Times Herald-Record printing facility in Middletown as part
of its community careers unit.
While at Walmart, the students learned all about working in retail and what it entails,
from the hiring process to inventory and stocking shelves to using the cash register.
They brought out their decorating skills as they participated in a cupcake decorating
activity.
At the end of the visit, the store gave each student a $5 gift card and a bag of treats.
The students even got to participate in the “Walmart cheer.” On Dec. 7, the class had
the opportunity to see how newspapers are actually printed. The group went to the
Times Herald-Record printing facility in Middletown and watched how the papers are
made, packaged and sent out.
According to Alexis Darro, one of the program teachers, the Life Skills program is
designed to give students a multi-sensory education in ELA, math, science, social
studies and electives based on a more functional curriculum to help prepare for and ex-
pose students to jobs. Students also learn life skills in health, gardening, independence,
money and time management, citizenship and more, all in a nurturing environment.

23www.JohnKiddPromotions.com

Student Hector
Melendez checks
pressures on an air
conditioning unit.

GETTING TO wORk:

Career & Tech HVAC/Plumbing Program Pays Off

Hector Melendez is a senior at Pine company that is owned by a graduate heating and related climate control
Bush High School and a student in of the BOCES program. Hector said systems. Throughout the program, stu-
the Orange-Ulster BOCES HVAC/Plumb- this enabled him to get used to the dents gain daily hands-on experience.
ing Program. At 17 years old, Hector trade. He did residential heating and All CTE programs teach students how
knows exactly what he wants to be air conditioning work, as well as a little to become employable, including work
when he graduates in June. He knows plumbing. Now his goal is to get into ethics and job seeking skills.
because he has already had a chance the New York City HVAC union after
to try it out. graduation. The HVAC/Plumbing instructor is
Timothy Lennon, who is a graduate
As a student in one of BOCES Career “Coming to BOCES was the of the BOCES Program. “Students like
and Technical Education (CTE) pro- best decision. I get to work Hector who work hard are in a great
grams, Hector spends 2½ hours a day place after coming here for two years.
during junior and senior year learning with my hands, which is There are many jobs in this field. Some
an in-demand construction trade, and something I’ve always students do go to college after taking
will be qualified to go right to work the program, but they can go right to
after graduation. Like all OU BOCES been good at.” work with no educational expense if
construction programs, the HVAC/ that is what they choose.”
Plumbing Program is accredited by – Hector Melendez
the National Center for Construction Both Hector’s brother and sister also at-
Education and Research (NCCER). This Hector said, “Coming to BOCES was tended BOCES CTE Programs—Nursing
enables students like Hector to leave the best decision. I get to work with my and Computer Assisted Design. Hector
high school with an industry standard hands, which is something I’ve always wasn’t sure which BOCES program he
certification. He will also be able to sit been good at.” He also likes the fact wanted to take, but after visiting the
for an Environmental Protection Agen- that he was able to meet new people HVAC/Plumbing Program, he decided
cy (EPA) refrigerant handling certifica- since CTE students come to BOCES to try it. His advice to students: “Even if
tion exam. from 17 different school districts. you aren’t sure, still take it.”

After spending just one year in the Students in the HVAC/Plumbing Pro-
HVAC/Plumbing Program, Hector was gram are taught the skills necessary for
able to get a summer job as a helper employment in the areas of plumbing,
at a local Orange County HVAC

Visit our website at ouboces.org to learn more about the great
opportunities OU BOCES provides for our region.
Join us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter!

24 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

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Photos By MELISSA HARJES

27www.JohnKiddPromotions.com

“...something for everyone from
burgers to chicken curry.”

5.0

“...cozy and inviting.”

4.8

“Magic.”

4.9

26 Awosting Road
Pine Bush, NY 12566

(845) 670-HOOT
hootowlrestaurant.com

28 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

Wrestlers take on the Veterans Day Challenge

Every team needs motivation. Pine Bush varsity Pictured above are the winners of the Veterans Day Challenge,
wrestling coach Rich Ormsby decided his team from left, Marcos Madden, Lukas Pennell and Chris Tremper.
was going to get motivation as well as learn some-
thing in the process with the Veterans
Day Challenge.

Instead of having Veterans Day off, members of
Ormsby’s wrestling program took on a physical
challenge led by Sergeant 1st Class Shaun Butcher
of the National Guard.

The challenge included a two-mile run, sit-ups
and push-ups, with each member earning points
for each activity. Butcher and Ormsby instructed
the wrestlers on correct form for the sit-ups and
push-ups and he talked to them about leadership
and sports and how the two often go together.

The team also watched a video, a salute to service-
men and women.

“I wanted them to see this video so maybe
they’ll take a little more time to appreciate
veterans,” said Ormsby, whose mother
served in the army for 22 years.

The results were positive. Ormsby said his team
stepped up for the physical challenges and also got
the message about leadership, responsibility and
the value of veterans.

“I didn’t want them to have nothing to do,” said
Ormsby, who is in his 11th year in the district
and his fourth as varsity head coach. “This was
something cool and different to do on their day
off. They liked it and they liked Butcher.”

THE RESULTS
The competition was fierce as the teammates
competed in their respective weight classes. The
winners were:

Light Weight –Marcos Madden
(received 294 score out of a possible 300)

Middle Weight – Lukas Pennell

Heavy Weight – Chris Tremper

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Garden • Farm • Lawn • Pet

IF IT GROWS,
HAS LEGS, &

EATS...
WE HAVE
SOMETHING

YFOOUR ...

if not, we will find it!

105 Depot St.,
Pine Bush, NY
845-744-2011
Open: Mon-Sat 8-7;

Sun 9-5

30 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

31www.JohnKiddPromotions.com

Photos By TOM BUSHEY

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Living History

VETERANS SHARE THEIR EXPERIENCES WITH CIRCLEVILLE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS

Gene Weinstein captivated his audience.

The 92-year-old Navy veteran of World War II showed
neatly folded newspaper and magazine clippings he had
saved from the 1940s to a small group of sixth grade
Circleville Middle School students sitting at a lunchroom
table. He answered their questions – Where did you live
when you were in the Navy? Answer: On four different
ships – and offered more information.

It was part of the school’s celebration of Veterans Day.
And it was a true living history lesson for the students.

“I enlisted on my 17th birthday,” said Weinstein,
a retired science teacher. “It was 10 months after
Pearl Harbor. We were losing the war at that
point. But in 1944, things really turned around.”

Weinstein served four years in the Navy. The photos he Hopmayer served three years in the Army during Desert Storm while
brought added another level of understanding to the Lynn spent six years in the Navy.
students.

There were several veterans at the event, including Nina LaConte, a After speaking to the students, Weinstein, LaConte, and the other
familiar face at Circleville Middle School. Students know her as a music veterans who came in to share their experiences, enjoyed some patriotic
and chorus teacher but she also serves in the National Guard. music performed by the school band. Then, they ate breakfast together
before the next group of students came by.
LaConte loves what she does in the guard, including meeting so many
people she wouldn’t have met otherwise. The downside of it is being away Veterans Day at Circleville Middle School is a highlight for Weinstein.
from home, she said.
“This is his fourth year doing it,” said Lenore Weinstein, his
A couple more familiar Pine Bush faces included Pine Bush High wife. “He likes sharing his experiences with kids.
School Principal Aaron Hopmayer and Assistant Principal Brian Lynn.

33www.JohnKiddPromotions.com

By JOHN KIDD

On October 14th, almost 200 attendees enjoyed the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Town
of Wallkill 4th annual Grown Here event, a farm-to-table dining experience which
was chaired by Jay Anthony at the Boys & Girls Club Clubhouse at Circleville Park.
Somerville provided the musical backdrop for the evening.

The exceptional farm-to-table dining experience highlighted dishes curated by four
local chefs. Each course was carefully crafted utilizing locally grown and locally
produced ingredients and was paired with local wines, craft beer, and spirits.This year’s
event featured Marcus Guiliano of Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville, Loretta Rueter
of Hermann’s Erie Hotel in Pine Bush, Armand Vanderstigchel of Limoncello at the
Orange Inn in Goshen, Jaime Stankevicus at Neversink General Store in Neversink,
and Paul Nanni and Marla Pucetti of The Heron in Narrowsburg.

The Club honored its founder, Stephen E. Plain, who recently stepped down from
the board of directors. A video of appreciation was played which honored Plain’s
undeniable commitment to youth. Many past and current community members
directly involved with the Club thanked Plain for his dedication to building Great
Futures for Club kids.

Event guests also enjoyed a rare and unique wine auction hosted by Dr. David
Ainbinder of Gentle Dentistry in Middletown, NY. Ainbinder, who is an avid
wine connoisseur with a robust private collection of wines, selected some distinctive
selections for this year’s auction.

Overall, the event raised $40,000 to support programming in Northern Orange and
Sullivan Counties.

Learn more about the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Town of Wallkill, by visiting
www.bgcorange.org or by calling the Boys & Girls Club Office at (845) 342-8833.

34 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

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Photos by JOHN KIDD

36 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

Veterans Day Breakfast

The Pine Bush Elementary School hosted a breakfast honoring our local
veterans. Many of the veterans were related to Pine Bush Elementary
School students so the well-attended event became an extra special time
for loved ones to enjoy the morning together. Students sang a medley of
patriotic songs to the veterans, and veterans were given handmade cards
created by the students. Honor students helped serve the meal, and the
group watched a short video clip thanking our soldiers.

37www.JohnKiddPromotions.com

38 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

PBA
Senior Citizen

Luncheon

By JOHN KIDD

The Town of Crawford Police Benevolent
Association (PBA) has always been great at
providing a number of community events in
the Pine Bush area, some of which include
the Halloween Hayride, an annual Veterans
Day event, the Our Community Cares event
which recognizes Pine Bush High School
students who are entering military service,
the annual PBA Dinner, and of course the
Toys for Tots fundraiser.

One way it likes to give back to our local
seniors is through an annual Christmas lun-
cheon which provides a free turkey dinner
served with dessert. The annual luncheon
was held at the Pine Bush Fire Department
on December 5th.

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Photos By JOHN KIDD

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Pine Bush School Central School District employees gathered to present the ceremonial check to Emily Sassano of the United Way.
Pictured here, from left, are Lynn Baldassano, Debbie June, Linda Rogers-Seeley, Elizabeth Sproul, Emily Sassano, Moira
Roberts, John Boyle, Stacey Brown, Chris Passudetti, Holly Schader, Steve Charchan, school board member Kristi Kheiralla,
Ryan Reed, John Hicks, Tim Mains, and Romulo Gabriel.

GENEROUS AND CARING
Pine Bush School Employees Donate to the United Way

Representatives of the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region were on hand to accept a ceremonial check from Superintendent
Tim Mains in the amount of $7,734, the total amount pledged by district employees.

“The United Way funds so many agencies that benefit our students and families,” said Mains. “It’s especially appropriate
that we as educators support the United Way.”

Mains came to the district earlier last year and learned in the fall that the district hadn’t been part of the United Way’s campaign for
many years. So, he enlisted Pine Bush Teachers Association President Chris Passudetti to co-chair the campaign with him and they were
off and running.

Employees wishing to donate had the option of making a one-time donation or scheduling a donation with each paycheck. In addition,
those donating via payroll deduction could select to spread their gift over 20 paychecks (running into next year) or just ten pay periods
ending this May.

Those who donate to the United Way help support a wide variety of programs and services focused in the areas of education, income and
health. United Way goals are to help people meet their basic needs following disaster or personal crisis, according to the group’s website.
Money raised locally is spent locally on a variety of programs, initiatives and collaborations for people in Dutchess and Orange counties.

46 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

HELP YOUR PET THROUGH THE WINTER WEATHER

The veterinarians at Pine Bush Animal Hospital want
your pet to stay healthy and comfortable all year long.
Now’s the time to schedule a wellness and preventative
visit with a physical assessment.

Winter presents unique challenges for pets.
Here are some potential hazards to be aware of:
• Effects of salt and rough ice on pets’ feet
• Accidental ingestion of antifreeze
• Exposure to cold temperatures
• Matted coats due to snow and ice

Pine Bush Animal Hospital.
Caring for pets like they are our own.

Pine Bush
Animal Hospital

1 Hardenburgh Rd. Pine Bush, NY 12566
www.pinebushanimalhospital.com • 845-744-2192

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48 PINE BUSH QUARTERLY

Pine Bush Honors Scholar Athletes

Pine Bush honored 114 scholar athletes – Varsity athletes with 90 and SCHOLAR ATHLETE TEAM AWARD:
above GPA for the first marking period. The District also recognized eight Girls Soccer, Coach: Dan Conley
varsity teams being named scholar athlete teams. In order to qualify, 75 Emily Dimino, Becky Drumm, Isabella Emond, Kayla Grassi, Yadaris
percent of the roster must achieve 90 and above GPA. The eight teams Guzman, Christina Kania, Basma Mahmood, Julia Mance,
included: Boys Cross Country, Girls Cross Country, Boys Soccer, Girls Emily McLean, Courtney Obregon, Taylor Veneziali
Soccer, Swim Team, Field Hockey, Tennis, and Volleyball
SCHOLAR ATHLETE TEAM AWARD:
SCHOLAR ATHLETE TEAM AWARD: Girls Swimming and Diving, Coach: John Barth
Boys Cross Country, Coach: Al Schmidt Ivy Aniello, Maya Barth, Olivia Brown, Deanna Caceres – State Qualifier,
Jonny Aguilar, Finian Brown, Connor Boughner, Justin Ceiley, Eric Marcella Caceres, Olivia Caceres, Savannah Donaldson, Desiray Green,
Colombo, Aiden Gentile, Ryan Gotthardt, Kiyan Hocek, Tyler Landivar, Amanda Eagan, Hannah Gumaer, Elishka Hajek, Brooke Hornbeck,
Brandon Lopez, Ryan McNamara, Alexander O’Flaherty, John Parsells, Claire Hornbeck, Sara Ippolito, Alexa Irwin, Erin Lee, Antonia Licardi,
Alan Soto Anita Licata, Rebeca Lockward, Cora Mance, Nicole McCord, Saman-
tha McKee, Ashley O’Heir, Laurel Parker-Chan, Ava Schultz, Cheyenne
SCHOLAR ATHLETE TEAM AWARD: Sebesta, Melanie Tique Diaz, Gillian Valdez, Alexandra Vargas,
Girls Cross Country, Coach: Gerald Risco Payton Vellenga
Abigail Carpenter, Destiny Corona, Susan Fernandez, Catherine Lacovara,
Kailee Loiodice, Paige Loiodice, Danielle Lovelace, Gabrielle Palazzo SCHOLAR ATHLETE TEAM AWARD:
Girls Tennis, Coach: Michael Sabini
SCHOLAR ATHLETE TEAM AWARD: Kristi Cheung, Julia Dimino, Hailey Gundersen, Skye Hall,
Field Hockey, Coach: Lisa Sorrentino Julianna Hartmann, Julianne Lee, Madeline Roche, Jenna Rumsey
Helen Deretchin, Hailey Filipkowski, Meghan Hennig, Patricia Hewitt,
Lauren Moccio, Courtney Pekusic, Carlee Sherman, Melissa Torchio, SCHOLAR ATHLETE TEAM AWARD:
Kristi Zelonis Volleyball, Coach: Melyssa Amelio
Emily Bott, Erin Boyle, Shelby Eller, Julia Jaworska, Rileigh Meyer,
SCHOLAR ATHLETE TEAM AWARD: Anastasia Mohl, Tiffany Nye, Taylor Pannell, Elly Taylor
Boys Soccer, Coach: Mike Mancuso
Charles Bakleh, Jack Birchard, Sebastian Czechowski, SCHOLAR ATHLETES ONLY (NO TEAM AWARD):
John DeGeorge, Blake DelaCruz, Keith Fajfer, Joud Ibrahim, Gabriel Varsity Football, Coach: James Wright
Ilioiu, Nicholas Kahrs, Gianni Latorre, Ryan Martir, Demetrius Barnes, Jonathan Grasso, Donovan Long, Haakon Meland,
Lorenzo Nunez, Griffin Robertson, Jesse Smith, Tyler Suchy, Caleb Stevens, Shervah Walker, Tyler Waller, Bryan Warren,
Thomas Weinert Francesco Wise

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Pine Bush Golfer and Gymnast sign Letters of Intent

PASQUALINA TARTAGLIONE, ALISA SHEREMETA TO COMPETE AT DIVISION I SCHOOLS

Pine Bush High School seniors Alisa Sheremeta and Pasqualina Tartaglione recently signed their Pictured above:
letters of intent to compete on the college level next fall. Alisa Sheremeta and Pasqualina
Tartaglione are congratulated
Alisa, a gymnast, will compete for the University of Illinois at Chicago next fall. Pasqualina, the by, standing from left, Michael
only female golfer on the Pine Bush team, will play for the University at Albany. Both are Division I Gillespie, director of Physical
schools and both young women are receiving full scholarships. Education, Health and
Athletics in the district,
“Just a small percentage of kids get to move on from high school and compete at the Superintendent Tim Mains,
college level,” said Michael Gillespie, director of Physical Education, Health and and Pine Bush High School
Athletics at the district. “Early signing shows a commitment between the schools Principal Aaron Hopmayer.
and the athletes.”

Alisa was just two years old when she started in gymnastics. Her favorite event is floor exercises. She competes with the team
from Galaxy Gymnastics in Rockland County where she also helps the littlest gymnasts learn new skills. She has been a state and
regional champion multiple times. Alisa has also been a national qualifier for the Junior Olympics several times.

She is the daughter of Taras and Tanya Sheremeta of Circleville.

Pasqualina didn’t even pick up a golf club until she was in middle school. The one-time swimmer was forced to golf with her dad
when she didn’t want to go to swim practice anymore.

“It was meant as a punishment,” said Pasqualina. “Little did my dad know I actually wanted to learn to play golf.”
It paid off. Pasqualina played two years with the boys’ team while in middle school and has been the only girl on the girls’ team
since entering high school. She is ranked 15th in the state and won sections last year. She is hoping to repeat that honor again in
the spring.

Pasqualina is the daughter of Michael and Lula Tartaglione of Pine Bush.

Alisa will major in kinesiology at University of Illinois while Pasqualina is going into business at UAlbany.

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